Neurogenic regulation of bone growth and bone degradation

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates to methods for promoting bone formation or reducing bone destruction. This disclosure also relates to methods for promoting the recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to a local site of injury or surgical intervention in bone to promote healing. In addition, this disclosure relates to methods for reducing or preventing mineral formation or bone growth, or reducing bone mass. The methods disclosed herein are useful for treating conditions such as osteopetrosis or osteoradionecrosis.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/125,814, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,265,437, filed Sep. 13, 2016, which is a U.S. National Stage Application of International Application No. PCT/US15/20412, filed Mar. 13, 2015, which claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/953,475, filed Mar. 14, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND ART

Bone formation and degradation are tightly regulated by growth factor signaling between osteoblasts that are responsible for bone formation and osteoclasts that are responsible for bone re-absorption. Coupling bone formation by osteoblasts with degradation by osteoclasts has recently become a topic of intense study; with the list of growth factors identified as coupling factors expanding. Coupling bone formation with bone re-absorption requires the recruitment of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in parallel with the recruitment of their respective progenitor cells. Osteoblasts derive from mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) while osteoclasts derive from monocytes that are a part of the myeloid-lineage; however, it remains unknown how MSC or monocytes migrate from their niche in the bone marrow to sites of new bone formation. The current understanding of the spatial and temporal regulation of osteogenesis proposes that MSC migrate from their bone marrow niche to the endosteal surface; where the MSC differentiate into osteoblasts that produce new bone. In parallel, monocytes also migrate from their bone marrow niche to the endosteal surface; where they subsequently differentiate into osteoclasts that re-absorb bone. Growth factors known to regulate bone formation include TGFβ-, BMP- and the canonical Wnt-ligands. While osteoclast formation from monocyte precursors and bone re-absorption are regulated through the expression of MSCF, OPG and RANK-ligand. In parallel, osteoclast activity is also regulated by the expression of the TGFβ-, BMP- and the non-canonical Wnt-ligands. However, many developmental growth factors involved in tissue patterning, including TGFβ-, BMP- and the Wnt-ligands, promote bone formation and re-absorption. The maintenance of healthy bone requires constant remodeling, in which bone is made and destroyed continuously. The netrin-, RGM- and slit-ligands were indentified as growth factors that could potentially couple bone formation and re-absorption through the regulation of progenitor cell differentiation within the 3-dimensional structure of bone.

The introduction of an implant into bone results in a biochemical cascade that results in a pro-inflammatory response that is partially mediated by macrophages, which are derived from the myeloid lineage and can contribute to the degradation of bone or an implant material. Currently implants and implant materials are chosen to minimize the macrophage response while being optimally osteo-conductive and promoting maximum bone-implant integration. Alternatively, the introduction of autograph with an implant or the use of devitalized bone tissue graft has been employed in concert with the material properties of an implant as a means of increasing osteo-integration; however, these approaches have often been problematic. Ideally, materials could be designed to be both self-organizing and self-assembling.

Generating bone as an adjuvant therapeutic approach employed during orthopedic trauma procedures or during routine spine fusion procedures represents a continuing challenge in orthopedic surgery. Specifically, these adjuvant bone-generating therapies seek to increase the growth of healthy bone at the site of surgical intervention in parallel with decreasing the healing time for bone. In the last several decades a number of attempts have been made to use various growth factors with osteogenic potential, including BMP. Unfortunately, BMP based therapies intended to generate bone also carry a risk for tumorigenesis in patients who may be undergoing X-radiation therapy or possess nascent undetected tumor. Further, BMP based therapies cannot be used in patients with active tumor, which is particularly unfortunate since these patients would benefit significantly from therapies that increase bone formation during surgical intervention.

Impaired fracture healing continues to present a significant challenge in orthopedic surgery and bone healing. Fracture non-union rates as high as 5-20% have been reported. The morbidity and cost associated with the treatment of patients developing non-unions can be substantial. Approximately 10% of the 6.2-million fractures encountered each year have difficulty healing. Various options exist to help accelerate bone healing, with unproven efficacy. Iliac crest bone graft is still considered to be the gold standard but has significant issues related to harvest site co-morbidity. Growth factor based therapies that include platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) has shown initial success in cell culture studies; however, their efficacy remains unproven in clinical application. An additional option, such as bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP2) and BMP7, has been shown to have success in accelerating fracture healing with diaphyseal fractures. However, there are risks associated with the use of BMP that include increased infection, increased risk of tumor growth, and an increased risk of local osteolysis. Many of the risks associated with treatments that include BMP also preclude the use of BMP for patients with other pathologies.

The therapeutic ability to increase bone formation, as an adjuvant during orthopedic surgery, while not increasing the potential for tumor growth is currently a limitation of commercially available biologics, in treating complex orthopedic problems such as spine fusion, fracture healing and the management of fracture non-unions.

In the field of orthopedic trauma, particularly with open fractures with large defects and non-unions; autogenous/allogenic bone grafts are the primary treatment options. However, autogenous harvested bone graft, used as the gold standard to achieve bone formation, has risks of infection and donor site pain. Other allogenic bone graft substitutes have not shown similar efficacy when used singularly. The same limitations exist for spine surgery when these are used during fusions.

Cortical and cancellous bone derived from cadaveric sources serves to fill space and are primarily osteo-conductive without significant osteo-inductive potential. Hence, biologics such as PDGF, VEGF and BMP are used to increase rates of healing or fusion, and their application adds to the cost of treatment. However, these biologic therapies stimulate proliferation during development in a range of cell phenotypes, which presents an inherent and unacceptable oncologic risk.

De-mineralized bone matrix and calcium phosphate substitutes have not shown high efficacy at accelerated bone healing and also have significant cost associated with them due to production costs.

Recombinant BMP2 (rhBMP2) is a implant commercially developed by Medtronic known as Infuse that is distributed in small (4.2-mg of BMP2 with 2× collagen sponges for a 15-mg/cm³ implant), medium (8.4-mg of BMP2 with 4× collagen sponges for a 15-mg/cm³ implant), large (12-mg of BMP2 with 6× collagen sponges for a 15-mg/cm³ implant) and large-II (12-mg of BMP2 with 1× collagen sponge for a 15-mg/cm³ implant). All sizes of the Infuse implant are approved for spine and maxillofacial applications while only the large-II implant is approved for fracture. Infuse is administered by reconstituting the powdered BMP2 with sterile saline and then adding the BMP2-saline solution to the collagen sponge; after which the implant is delivered locally during surgical intervention.

Recombinant BMP7 (rhBMP7 or OP1) is an implant commercially developed by Sryker and now owned by Olympus known as OP1. OP1 is distributed as OP1-putty (20-mL vial containing powdered bovine cartilage and 3.3-mg of BMP7) or OP1-implant (1-g of powdered bovine cartilage and 3.3-mg of BMP7). The OP1-putty is approved for spine fusion surgeries while the OP1-implant is approved for treating fractures and fracture non-union surgery. OP1-putty or the OP1-implant is administered by reconstituting the powdered BMP7 with sterile saline and then adding the BMP7-saline solution to the collagen implant; after which the implant is delivered locally during surgical intervention.

Recent observations during neuro-development have identified a family of loosely related proteins and receptors that possess attractive and repulsive properties. The netrin-ligands are a class of four secreted (netrin-1, netrin-3, netrin-4 and netrin-5) that binds the DCC-, neogenin- and UNC5A-D receptors. The repulsive guidance molecules (RGMa and RGMb) are ligands that bind the neogenin-receptor and have been identified to antagonize netrin-ligand signaling. Netrin-ligands were initially identified in mammals as essential for commissural axon migration and may posses the ability to regulate attractive migration in bone. The slit-ligands (slit1, slit2 and slit3) and their roundabout receptor (ROBO1, ROBO2, ROBO3 and ROBO4) possess the ability to regulate repulsive cell migration in bone, since the slit-ROBO signaling axis has been shown to regulate neurite repulsive migration in the brain.

The netrin-ligands possess laminin-binding sites that act to sequester the netrin-ligand proteins in a collagen matrix and are considered an important regulatory element of netrin-ligand function. The slit-ligands have been shown to bind heparan sulfate and the interaction between heparan sulfate and the slit-ligand is required for slit-ligand function; whereas, collagen bound heparan is important in sequestering the slit-ligands.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect, this disclosure provides a method for promoting bone formation or reducing bone destruction. The method is based on administration of an amount of the netrin, RGM or slit polypeptide ligands effective to promote bone formation or reduce bone destruction.

In another aspect, this disclosure provides a method for promoting the recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to a local site of injury or surgical intervention in bone to promote healing. The method is based on administration of an amount of a netrin- or a slit-ligand polypeptide effective to promote bone formation while inhibiting bone degradation.

The injury can be, e.g., bone fracture or a surgical intervention such as would occur during the repair of a fracture through during spine fusion. In some embodiments, the polypeptide is administered locally to the site of injury.

In yet another aspect, this disclosure provides a method for reducing or preventing mineral formation or bone growth, or reducing bone mass. The method is based on administration of an amount of a RGMb or slit3 polypeptide ligand effective to reduce or prevent mineral formation or bone growth or reducing bone mass.

The methods disclosed herein are useful for treating conditions such as osteopetrosis or osteoradionecrosis.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of necessary fee.

FIGS. 1A-1J: (FIG. 1A) NTN4 gene expression decreased in osteoblasts, adipocytes and osteoclasts relative to MSC (*=p<0.026) while NTN4 expression in adipocytes and osteoclasts was further decreased relative to osteoblasts (#=p<0.002). (FIG. 1B) Neogenin gene expression was increased osteoblasts relative to MSC (*=p<0.045). However, neogenin gene expression was decreased in adipocytes and osteoclasts relative to osteoblasts (#=p<0.001). (FIG. 1C) UNC5b gene expression was increased in osteoblasts relative to MSC (*=p<0.024) while in adipocytes and osteoclasts UNC5b gene expression was decreased relative to osteoblasts (#=p<0.003). (FIG. 1D) UNC5c gene expression increased in osteoblasts (*=p<0.044) and adipocytes relative to MSC (*=p<0.007). (FIG. 1E) NTNG1 gene expression was increased in osteoblasts versus MSC (*=p<0.0492). (FIG. 1F) NGL1 gene expression was increased in osteoblasts relative to MSC (*=p<0.008) while both NGL1 gene expression was decreased in adipocytes and osteoclasts relative to osteoblasts (#=p<0.043). (FIG. 1G) NGL2 gene expression was decreased in osteoblasts relative to MSC (*=p<0.03). (FIG. 1H) Following the addition of osteogenic media to MSC cultures, both ALP gene expression (*=p<0.007) and OCN gene expression (*=p<0.008) increased. (FIG. 1I) The addition of adipogenic media to MSC cultures resulted in an increase in PPARg (*=p<0.05), FABP4 (*=p<0.026) and perilipin (*=p<0.001) gene expression. (FIG. 1J) In cultures of osteoclasts we identified CD14, cathepsin K (CTSK) and TRAP gene expression.

FIGS. 2A-2J: (FIG. 2A) NTN1 and NTN4 were added with osteo-induction media to cultured MSC. NTN1 and NTN4 increased mineral formation (red staining) in MSC beyond those effects observed when 25-ng of BMP2/7 or osteo-induction media were added. (FIG. 2B) MSC cultured to become osteoblasts (OB) was observed to have decreased NTN4 protein expression. (FIG. 2C) The full-length and γ-secretase fragments of neogenin were increased in lysates derived from MSC induced to become osteoblasts (OB) (2× patients, H1 and H2). (FIG. 2D) SaOS2 osteosarcoma tumor cells were transfected with neogenin shRNA or GFP. Neogenin shRNA SaOS2 cells expressed less neogenin. Protein lysates derived from mouse brain (mB) served as controls in parallel with the loading control actin. (FIGS. 2E and 2F) ID1 was decreased 63.4% (*=p<0.001) while ID2 gene expression was decreased 42.3% (*=p<0.039) in the neogenin deficient SaOS2 cells relative to control cells. (FIG. 2G) SMAD1 gene expression also decreased 36.6% in the neogenin deficient SaOS2 cells (*=p<0.04) versus controls. (FIG. 2H) SMAD5 gene expression decreased 44.3% in neogenin deficient SaOS2 cells (*=p<0.037) versus GFP-controls and non-transfected controls. (FIG. 2I) We also measured inhibitor SMAD6 decreased 66.3% in neogenin deficient SaOS2 cells (*=p<0.0007) relative to controls. (FIG. 2J) SaOS2 cells induced to make bone mineral were grown in decreasing concentrations of serum (10%, 5% and 2.5%). No significant effect was observed in mineral accumulation (red staining) in GFP-control and non-transfected control SaOS2 cells; however, a dose dependent decrease in mineral formation was observed in neogenin deficient SaOS2 cells versus controls. Treatment with BMP2/7 (25-ng) was able to partially restore mineral formation.

FIGS. 3A-3E: (FIG. 3A) Addition of NTN1 resulted in significant decreases in the numbers of adipocytes (*=p<0.008) while (FIG. 3B) NTN4 also resulted in a decrease in the numbers of adipocytes (*=p<0.001). 3 (FIGS. 3C, 3D and 3E) The addition of NTN1 resulted in a significant decrease in the numbers of osteoclasts (*=p<0.0003) and NTN4 resulted in a profound decrease in the numbers of osteoclasts (*=p<0.0001).

FIGS. 4A-4I: TRAP staining (red) was decreased within the defects of control mice (FIGS. 4A and 4D) corresponding to decreased numbers of osteoclasts in NTN1 (FIGS. 4B and 4E) and NTN4 (FIGS. 4C and 4F) treated tibias. (2×) OTC staining (green) for bone formation within the defect was only observed around the periphery of the defect in control mice (FIG. 4G) while in NTN1 (FIG. 4H) and NTN4 (FIG. 4I) treated mice OTC staining was robust throughout the defect. (20×)

FIGS. 5A-5J: Sagittal and axial μCT images (12-μm voxel depth) from the unicortical defect from control (FIGS. 5A and 5D) and NTN1 (FIGS. 5B and 5E) and NTN4 (FIGS. 5C and 5F) treated mice. The defects were qualitatively smaller in the NTN1 and NTN4 treated mice versus the PBS treated control mice. (FIG. 5G) When compared to PBS treated defects, treatment with NTN1 (*=p<0.0003) or NTN4 (*=p<0.0001) increased the quantity of bone within unicortical defects (Bv/Tv). (FIG. 5H) Changes in bone mass (Bv/Tv) corresponded with increased trabecular number (Tb.N) after treatment with NTN1 (*=p<0.006) or NTN4 (*=p<0.04). (FIG. 5I) Trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) increased in parallel with trabecular number following treatment with NTN1 (*=p<0.023) or NTN4 (*=p<0.011). (FIG. 5J) Consistent with the qualitative decrease observed in the defect, the measured diameter of the defect was also observed to decrease following treatment with NTN1 (*=p<0.009) or NTN4 (*=p<0.001).

FIGS. 6A-6F: (FIG. 6A) Neogenin gene expression increased approximately 2-fold in osteoblast cultures (*, p<0.028) compared to MSC while neogenin expression decreased in adipocyte and osteoclast (#, p<0.016) cultures compared to osteoblasts. (FIG. 6B) RGMa gene expression increased in both osteoblasts (*, p<0.005) and adipocytes (*, p<0.0001) when compared to MSC cultures. RGMa gene expression was also increased in adipocytes compared to osteoblasts and osteoclasts (#, p<0.0001). RGMa expression was further suppressed in osteoclasts compared to osteoblasts (X, p<0.014). (FIG. 6C) RGMb gene expression was decreased in cultures of osteoblasts (*, p<0.0035), adipocytes (*, p<0.0005) and osteoclasts (*, p<0.0035) relative to MSC cultures. (FIG. 6D) Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN) gene expression is associated with osteogenesis. ALP gene expression increased in osteoblasts (*, p<0.0012) while OCN gene expression was also significantly increased (*, p<0.049). (FIG. 6E) The transcriptional regulator PPARg in parallel with the functional markers fatty acid binding protein-4 (FABP4) and perilipin were assayed in adipocyte cultures. PPARg (*, p<0.0018), FABP4 (*, p<0.005) and perilipin (*, p<0.0018) gene expression were all significantly increased in adipocyte cultures derived from MSC. (FIG. 6F) The myeloid lineage markers CD14, cathepsin-K (CTSK) and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) gene expression was measured in osteoclast cultures.

FIGS. 7A-7C: (FIG. 7A) Expression of the full length RGMa protein derived from protein lysates increased in osteoblasts (OB) versus MSC. The cleaved, soluble fraction of RGMa was unchanged following osteogenesis. Mouse brain lysates (mB) served as positive expression controls actin served a loading control. (FIG. 7B) RGMb expression was decreased in protein lysates derived from osteoblasts (OB) when compared to MSC. Mouse brain lysates (mB) served as positive expression controls and vinculin served as a loading control. (FIG. 7C) Serial doses of RGMa-ligand (1-, 10- or 100-ng) resulted in a weak, dose-dependent increase in mineral formation (red staining) while the RGMb-ligand did not alter mineral formation. The BMP2/7-ligand (25-ng) was added to MSC cultures induced to become osteoblasts as a positive control.

FIGS. 8A-8E: (FIG. 8A) The RGMa-ligand significantly increased the numbers of adipocytes following the addition of the 1-ng (*, p<0.0002), 10-ng (*, p<0.0004) and 100-ng (*, p<0.0002) doses. (FIG. 8B) The RGMb-ligand also resulted in significant increases in adipocyte numbers after adding the 1-ng (*, p<0.0037), 10-ng (*, p<0.0002) and 100-ng (*, p<0.0037) doses. (FIGS. 8C, 8D and 8E) The addition of 100-ng of either RGMa- (*, p<0.002) or RGMb-ligand (*, p<0.007) increased the numbers of osteoclasts in culture.

FIGS. 9A-9G: (FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C) Unicortical defects were scanned using μCT (12-μm voxel resolution) and then analyzed. (FIG. 9D) Bone volume corrected by the total volume (Bv/Tv) was significantly decreased in defects treated with 100-ng of the RMGa-ligand (*, p<0.033) or 100-ng of the RGMb-ligand (*, p<0.012). (FIG. 9E) Trabecular number (TbN) was decreased, but only significantly for the RGMb-ligand treated defects (*, p<0.01). (FIG. 9F) Trabecular thickness (TbTh) also decreased in defects treated with RGMa- (*, p<0.014) or RGMb-ligands (*, p<0.012). (FIG. 9G) No change in the diameter of the defects was observed due to treatment with RGM-ligands.

FIGS. 10A-10L: TRAP staining of the defects demonstrated that very few osteoclasts (red staining) were observed within the control, PBS treated defects (FIGS. 10A-10I). Although osteoclasts were observed surrounding the control defects. In contrast, increased numbers of osteoclasts (red staining) were observed within defects treated with the RGMa- or RGMb-ligands (FIGS. 10H and 10I). TRAP stained tissue was counter-stained with methyl green and imaged at 4× (FIGS. 10A-10C; scale bar=250-μm) or at 20× (FIGS. 10D-10F; scale bar=100-μm). (FIGS. 10J-10L) In parallel, oxytetracycline (OTC) staining associated with new mineral formation was robust in control defects (green staining) while OTC staining was significantly reduced in the RGMa- and RGMb-treated defects. OTC stained images were counter-stained with the nuclear stain PI and imaged at 20× (scale bar=100-μm).

FIGS. 11A-11F: (FIG. 11A) The slit2-ligand gene expression was significantly increased in osteoblast cultures relative to MSC cultures (*=p<0.021). (FIG. 11B) In contrast, slit3 gene expression was significantly decreased in osteoblasts and osteoclasts relative to MSC (*=p<0.002). (FIG. 11C) The ROBO1 receptor gene expression was increased in osteoblasts relative MSC (*=p<0.018). (FIG. 11D) The ROBO4 receptor was significantly increased in osteoclasts relative to osteoblasts and MSC (*=p<0.005). (FIG. 11E) Following the addition of osteo-induction media, the osteoblast phenotypic markers alkaline phosphatase (ALPL) and osteocalcin (OCN) increased significantly (*=p<0.01 and *=p<0.015, respectively). (FIG. 11F) The myeloid lineage phenotypic markers, CD14, cathepsin-K (CTSK) and tartrate resistant phosphatase (TRAPS) were expressed in osteoclasts cultures.

FIGS. 12A-12G: (FIG. 12A) The addition of slit1 or slit2 increased mineral formation while slit3 decreased mineral formation. The slit2-ligand in particular increased mineral more than BMP2/7. (FIG. 12B) The addition of 1-ng or 10-ng of the slit1-ligand increased adipocyte (fat cell) numbers (*=p<0.015) while 100-ng slit1 had not effect on adipocyte number. FIG. 12(C) The addition of 100-ng slit2 decreased adipocyte number (*=p<0.012). (FIG. 12D) In contrast, the addition of 1-ng of the slit3-ligand (*=p<0.001) while the 10-ng and 100-ng increased the number of adipocytes (*=p<0.015). (FIG. 12E-12G) Slit1 decreased osteoclast number (*=p<0.0002) while slit2 and slit3 increased osteoclast number (*=p<0.0001).

FIGS. 13A-13C: (FIG. 13A) Bone volume corrected by the total volume (Bv/Tv) was increased within unicortical defects treated with 100-ng of the slit1-ligand (*=p<0.0001) in parallel with increased Bv/Tv observed when defects were treated with the slit2-ligand (*=p<0.0003). The addition of slit3 had no effect on Bv/Tv. (FIG. 13B) Surprisingly, none of the slit-ligand has an effect on trabecular number (TbN). (FIG. 13C) Consistent with increased Bv/Tv, the addition of slit1 increased trabecular thickness (TbTh; *=p<0.0001) while slit2 increased TbTh significantly (*=p<0.0015). ThTb was unchanged in defects treated with slit3.

FIGS. 14A-14F: (FIG. 14A) Netrin-4 (NTN4) gene expression was decreased in osteoblasts (OB; *=p<0.001), RDES Ewing sarcoma of bone tumor cells (*=p<0.006), the Hs863 Ewing sarcoma of bone tumor cells (*=p<0.027), and SaOS2 osteosarcoma tumor cells (*=p<0.0085) relative to the MSC cultures. In contrast, NTN4 gene expression was significantly increased in the Hs822 Ewing sarcoma of bone tumor cells (*=p<0.05) relative to the MSC. (FIG. 14B) RGMb gene expression was decreased in osteoblasts (OB; *=p<0.034), RDES Ewing sarcoma of bone tumor cells (*=p<0.0214), and SaOS2 osteosarcoma tumor cells (*=p<0.0214) relative to the MSC cultures. In contrast, RGMb gene expression was significantly increased in the Hs822 Ewing sarcoma of bone tumor cells (*=p<0.0002) relative to the MSC. (FIG. 14C) Slit3 gene expression was decreased in osteoblasts (OB; *=p<0.0001), RDES Ewing sarcoma of bone tumor cells (*=p<0.0001), the Hs863 Ewing sarcoma of bone tumor cells (*=p<0.0001), and SaOS2 osteosarcoma tumor cells (*=p<0.0001) relative to the MSC cultures. In contrast, slit3 gene expression was significantly increased in the Hs822 Ewing sarcoma of bone tumor cells (*=p<0.006) relative to the MSC. (FIG. 14D) Neogenin gene expression was increased in osteoblasts (OB; *=p<0.02), RDES Ewing sarcoma of bone tumor cells (*=p<0.04), and SaOS2 osteosarcoma tumor cells (*=p<0.05) relative to the MSC cultures. (FIG. 14E) UNC5b gene expression was increased in osteoblasts (OB; *=p<0.04), Hs822 Ewing sarcoma of bone tumor cells (*=p<0.009), and Hs883 Ewing sarcoma of bone tumor cells (*=p<0.0004) relative to the MSC cultures. (FIG. 14F) ROBO1 gene expression was increased in RDES Ewing sarcoma of bone tumor cells (*=p<0.0023) relative to the MSC cultures.

FIG. 15: Immunhistochemical staining of Ewing sarcoma of bone sections of bone marrow biopsy demonstrating the tumor relationship to marrow. Ewing sarcoma of bone stained positive with CD99 (brown/red staining). Netrin receptors, neogenin and UNC5b, stained positive in the same Ewing tumor cells while the netrin-G coupled protein ligand receptor, NGL1, also stained in Ewing tumor samples. The slit-ligands receptors, ROBO1 and ROBO4, staining was robust within the Ewing sarcoma tumor samples. Methyl green was used as a nuclear stain (green/blue staining).

FIGS. 16A-16B: The addition of 100-ng of the netrin-1 (NTN1) or netrin-4 (NTN4) ligands had no effect on Ewing sarcoma of bone tumor cell proliferation, 72-hours after the addition of the ligands. In contrast, the addition of 100-ng of the RGMa or RGMb-ligands resulted in a significant decrease in RDES tumor cells number (*=p<0.0021). The addition of 100-ng of the slit1 or slit2-ligands had no effect on RDES tumor cell proliferation. In contrast, the addition of 100-ng of the slit3-ligand resulted in a significant decrease in RDES tumor cell number (*=p<0.0007) relative to the control cultures. The netrin-, RGM-, or slit-ligands had no effect on SaOS2 osteosarcoma tumor cells, or the Hs863 Ewing sarcoma tumor cells, or the Hs822 Ewing sarcoma tumor cells.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, it has been disclosed herein that netrin-1, netrin-4 and slit1 increase bone formation while decreasing osteoclast number and adipocyte number (fat cells). Increased bone formation is supported by mineral formation observed in culture and bone formation measured using microCT following a surgically induced unicortical defect. The decreased numbers of osteoclasts observed in culture supports increased bone formation. Decreased fat cell number corresponds with increasing bone and relates to bi-potential fate of MSC. The netrin-ligands increase in bone mass is driven by increased trabecular number, which is associated with recruiting more MSC to the unicortical defect. Slit1 increased bone mass is driven by increased trabecular thickness, which is associated with increased bone cell activity and not MSC recruitment.

In another aspect, it has been disclosed herein that slit2 increases bone formation, increases osteoclast numbers and decreases adipocytes number. Increased bone formation is demonstrated by mineral formation in culture and bone formation measured using microCT following a surgical induced unicortical defect. Decreased fat cell number corresponds with increasing bone and relates to the bi-potential fate of MSC. Slit2 increased bone mass is driven by increased trabecular thickness, which is associated with increased bone cell activity and not MSC recruitment.

In still another aspect, it has been disclosed herein that slit3 increased osteoclast number but not bone mass while RGMb decreased bone mass and increased osteoclast number. Adipocyte number was increased in slit3 and RGMb treated cultures. The RGMb results suggest that the RGM-ligands are antagonistic to netrin-ligands.

Administration of any of these ligands can be achieved through various routes. The surgical model resulted in an injury containing abundant collagen, laminin, fibronectin and heparin; all of which are required for netrin and slit function and these ligands contain binding sites for these matrix proteins. Thus, in some embodiments, these ligands can be administered locally at the site of a fracture or at the site of an orthopedic surgical procedure, all of which results in bleeding. In other embodiments, these ligands can be administered in other routes, e.g., intravenous, intramuscular, parenternal, among others.

The administration of these ligands alone or in combination with an implant as a means to control the migration of MSC to an implant and the formation of bone (netrin-1 or netrin-4) or to prevent the migration of MSC and inhibit bone formation (slit3). In parallel, netrin-1, netrin-4 or slit1-ligands inhibit bone degradation (through decreased osteoclast number) of bone or implant material. Additionally, the controlled degradation of bone or an implant material can be mediated by the addition of slit3 or RGMb (through increased osteoclast number).

Administration of any of the ligands disclosed herein can be performed to promote bone growth, or reduce bone destruction, both of which results in increased bone mass; or to reduce bone mass, in subjects in need thereof. For example, the administration of netrin-1, netrin-4 and slit1 may be useful in treating osteonecrosis or osteoradionecrosis, in which osteoblast activity is diminished and adipocytes number (i.e. the accumulation of fat) is increased when MSC fail to migrate and differentiate in the injured tissue space. The administration of slit3 and RGMb may be useful in treating osteopetrosis (pathologically high bone mass) for which there are few therapeutic options.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method for promoting bone formation and/or reducing bone degradation. The method includes administering an amount of the netrin- or slit-ligand polypeptide effective to promote bone formation or reducing bone destruction (i.e. re-absorption). In one embodiment, the netrin-ligand polypeptide is netrin-1, netrin-4, slit1, or slit2, or a combination thereof. Suitable combinations include, for example, netrin-1 and netrin-4; slit1 and slit2; netrin-1, netrin-4, and slit1; and netrin-1, netrin-4, slit1, and slit2. In specific embodiments, the netrin- or slit-ligand polypeptide is a polypeptide of a mammalian origin, such as human, rodent (mouse or rat). In some embodiments, the polypeptide(s) employed is (are) of human origin.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for promoting the migration and/or differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to a site of injury or surgical intervention in bone to promote healing by directly promoting the differentiation of MSC into an osteoblast while inhibiting differentiation into an adipocyte (fat cell). The method includes administering an amount of a netrin- or a slit-ligand polypeptide effective to promote the migration or differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to a site of injury or surgical intervention in bone. In one embodiment, the netrin-ligand polypeptide is netrin-1, or netrin-4, or a combination thereof. In specific embodiments, the netrin-ligand polypeptide is a polypeptide of a mammalian origin, such as human, rodent (mouse or rat). In some embodiments, the polypeptide(s) employed is (are) of human origin.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method for preventing or reducing the migration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to a site of injury or surgical intervention in bone to inhibit bone formation. The method includes administering an amount of a slit-ligand polypeptide effective to prevent or reduce the migration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and/or MSC differentiation into an osteoblast to a site of injury or surgical intervention in bone. In one embodiment, the slit-ligand polypeptide is slit3. In specific embodiments, the polypeptide is a polypeptide of a mammalian origin, such as human, rodent (mouse or rat). In some embodiments, the polypeptide(s) employed is (are) of human origin.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for reducing or preventing mineral formation or bone growth, or for reducing bone mass. The method comprises administering an amount of the RGMb-ligand polypeptide effective to reducing or preventing mineral formation or bone growth or reducing bone mass. In one embodiment, the RGMb-ligand polypeptide is a human RGMb polypeptide. In another embodiment, the RGMb polypeptide is a rodent (e.g., mouse or rat) RGMb polypeptide. In yet another embodiment, the RGMb polypeptide is a human or rodent RGMb polypeptide.

In still another aspect, this disclosure provides a method for promoting controlled bone growth. The method includes utilizing nano-particles or a collagen based carrier (e.g., a collagen sponge, a powdered collagen, or a collagen based gelatin hydrogel) with alternating layers of ligands that are released over a period of time; for example, with a layer of netrin-1 and/or netrin-4 which promote osteoblast formation, on top of an inner layer of slit3 or RGMb, which inhibit bone formation and promote the degradation of the implant. This process of controlled bone formation coupled with osteoblast inhibition and implant degradation will produce a bone-like template.

In one aspect, this disclosure provides a method of treating osteonecrosis or osteoradionecrosis based on administration of netrin-1, netrin-4, or slit1, or a combination thereof.

In another aspect, this disclosure provides a method of treating osteopetrosis based on administration of slit3, RGMa or RGMb, or a combination thereof.

In another aspect, this disclosure provides a method of treatment using netrin-1, netrin-4, slit1, slit2, slit3, RGMa or RGMb for orthopedic injuries or surgical interventions that do not possess the capacity to promote tumor growth.

In some embodiments, this disclosure provides a suitable dose range, through which a netrin-1 ligand (1-ng to 50 microgram) and/or a netrin-4 ligand (1-ng to 50 microgram) is administered and effective to increase bone formation and/or decrease bone degradation through decreased osteoclast formation and decreased adipocyte formation in a dose dependent fashion. Specific dose amounts can be, for example, 10 ng, 25 ng, 50 ng, 75 ng, 100 ng, 200 ng, 500 ng, 1 μg, 5 μg, 10 μg, 20 μg, 50 μg, or an amount between any of the listed doses. The precise total dose amount that is effective will depend on the extent of the injury or surgical application and the carrier to be used. For example, 50 ng in 1 microliter of saline or any equivalent dose (e.g., 100-ng in 2 microliter or 1414.14-ng/cm³), of a netrin-1 ligand or a netrin-4 ligand can be administered to an injury or local surgical site that results in substantial, accelerated bone formation and inhibition of osteoclast numbers within the surgical area.

In other embodiments, this disclosure provides a suitable dose range, through which a RGMa-ligand (1-ng to 50 microgram) and/or a RGMb-ligand (1-ng to 50 microgram) is administered and effective to to inhibit bone formation while increasing osteoclast formation. Specific dose amounts can be, for example, 10 ng, 25 ng, 50 ng, 75 ng, 100 ng, 200 ng, 500 ng, 1 μg, 5 μg, 10 μg, 20 μg, 50 μg, or an amount between any of the listed doses. The precise total dose amount that is effective will depend on the extent of the injury or surgical application and the carrier to be used. For example, 50 ng in 1 microliter of saline or any equivalent dose (e.g., 100-ng in 2 microliter or 1414.14-ng/cm³), of a RGMa-ligand or a RGMb-ligand can be administered to an injury or local surgical site that results in inhibited bone healing through an increase in osteoclast numbers within the surgical area.

In some embodiments, this disclosure provides a suitable dose range, through which a slit1-ligand (1-ng to 50 microgram) and/or a slit2-ligand (1-ng to 50 microgram) is administered and effective to increase bone formation for slit1-ligand and slit2-ligand in a dose dependent fashion while decreasing bone degradation after treatment with the slit1-ligand. Specific dose amounts can be, for example, 10 ng, 25 ng, 50 ng, 75 ng, 100 ng, 200 ng, 500 ng, 1 μg, 5 μg, 10 μg, 20 μg, 50 μg, or an amount between any of the listed doses. The precise total dose amount that is effective will depend on the extent of the injury or surgical application and the carrier to be used. For example, 50 ng in 1 microliter of saline or any equivalent dose (e.g., 100-ng in 2 microliter or 1414.14-ng/cm³), of a slit1-ligand or a slit2-ligand can be administered to an injury or local surgical site that results in substantial bone formation for the slit1-ligand and the slit2-ligand while the slit1-ligand can also inhibit osteoclast numbers within the surgical area.

In other embodiments, this disclosure provides a suitable dose range, through which a slit3-ligand (1-ng to 50 microgram) is administered and effective to decrease bone formation in culture and not increase bone formation in a surgically administered bone defect. Specific dose amounts can be, for example, 10 ng, 25 ng, 50 ng, 75 ng, 100 ng, 200 ng, 500 ng, 1 μg, 5 μg, 10 μg, 20 μg, 50 μg, or an amount between any of the listed doses. The precise total dose amount that is effective will depend on the extent of the injury or surgical application and the carrier to be used. For example, 50 ng in 1 microliter of saline or any equivalent dose (e.g., 100-ng in 2 microliter or 1414.14-ng/cm³), of a slit3-ligand can be administered to an injury or local surgical site that results in impaired bone formation for the slit3-ligand through increased osteoclast numbers within the surgical area.

In another aspect this disclosure provides for the combination of a netrin-1 ligand, netrin-4 ligand, slit1-ligand or slit2-ligand to a bovine collagen implant, in a manner similar to either Infuse (BMP2) or OP1-putty or OP1-implant, that is supplied with a bovine collagen sponge or powdered bovine collagen. A netrin-1 ligand, netrin-4 ligand, slit1-ligand or slit2-ligand will be administered by reconstituting the powdered netrin-1 ligand, netrin-4 ligand, slit1-ligand or slit2-ligand with sterile saline and then adding the ligand-saline solution to the collagen implant; after which the implant will be delivered locally to the site of surgical intervention.

In another aspect this disclosure provides for the combination of a RGMa-ligand, RGMb- ligand or slit3-ligand to a bovine collagen implant, in a manner similar to either Infuse (BMP2) or OP1-putty or OP1-implant, that is supplied with a bovine collagen sponge or powdered bovine collagen. A RGMa-ligand, RGMb-ligand or slit3-ligand will be administered by reconstituting the powdered RGMa-ligand, RGMb-ligand, or slit3-ligand with sterile saline and then adding the ligand-saline solution to the collagen implant; after which the implant will be delivered locally to the site of surgical intervention.

Specific examples of netrin, slit and RGMb polypeptides suitable for use herein include SEQ ID NOS: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 22 and 23, polypeptides having amino acid sequence identity of at least 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or greater than 99% to any of SEQ ID Numbers: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 22 or 23, and functional or bioactive fragments thereof.

Sequence Identifiers, Description, and GenBank Accession Numbers

-   SEQ ID NO: 1 Mouse Netrin-1, nucleic acid, NM_008744 -   SEQ ID NO: 2 Mouse Netrin-1, amino acid, NP_032770, -   SEQ ID NO: 3 Human Netrin-1, nucleic acid, NM_004822 -   SEQ ID NO: 4 Human Netrin-1, amino acid, NP_004813 -   SEQ ID NO: 5 Mouse Netrin-4, nucleic acid, NM_021320 -   SEQ ID NO: 6 Mouse Netrin-4, amino acid, NP_067295 -   SEQ ID NO: 7 Human Netrin-4, nucleic acid, NM_021229 -   SEQ ID NO: 8 Human Netrin-4, amino acid, NP_067052 -   SEQ ID NO: 9 Human SLIT1, nucleic acid, NM_003061.2 -   SEQ ID NO: 10 Human SLIT1, amino acid, NP_003052.2 -   SEQ ID NO: 11 Mouse SLIT1, amino acid, Q80TR4 -   SEQ ID NO: 12 Human SLIT2, nucleic acid, NM_004787.1 -   SEQ ID NO: 13 Human SLIT2, amino acid, NP_004778.1 -   SEQ ID NO: 14 Mouse SLIT2, amino acid, Q9R1B9 -   SEQ ID NO: 15 Human SLIT3, nucleic acid, NM_003062.3 -   SEQ ID NO: 16 Human SLIT3, amino acid, NP_003053.1 -   SEQ ID NO: 17 Mouse SLIT3, amino acid, Q9VWB4 -   SEQ ID NO: 18 Human RGMa, nucleic acid, NM_001166289.1 -   SEQ ID NO: 19 Human RGMa, amino acid, NP_001159761.1 -   SEQ ID NO: 20 Mouse RGM-A; amino acid, Q6PCX7 -   SEQ ID NO: 21 Human RGMb, nucleic acid, NM_001012761.2 -   SEQ ID NO: 22 Human RGMb, amino acid, NP_001012779.2 -   SEQ ID NO: 23 Mouse RGM-B; amino acid, Q7TQ33

The present description is further illustrated by the following examples, which should not be construed as limiting in any way. The contents of all cited references (including literature references, issued patents, and published patent applications as cited throughout this application) are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

EXAMPLE 1 Netrin-Ligands Regulate Bone Formation and Bone Re-Absorption

Methods: Human bone marrow was collected from consenting adult patients undergoing either an elective primary proximal femoral total hip arthroplasty or elective primary distal femoral total knee arthroplasty (n=6, mean age 65) as a part of an IRB approved study. Human MSC were derived from the adherent fraction of cells derived from each whole bone marrow aspirate collected while the monocyte population was collected from the non-adherent fraction of the bone marrow. The monocyte fraction was enriched through sub-culture with 100-ng/mL recombinant human macrophage colony-stimulating factor (MCSF; Wyeth). In parallel experiments described below, the femurs from 3-week (n=10) and 16-week (n=20) old male mice were collected and then the bone marrow was flushed from the femur according to the following: A 21-gauge needle was inserted into the femoral intramedular canal after the removal of the proximal and distal ends of the femur. Media was then carefully passed through the proximal end of the femur, which forced the bone marrow to pass out of the bone. Finally, the bone marrow pellet was mechanically disassociated using an 18-gauge needle and then passed through a 70-μm mesh filter. These whole bone marrow aspirates were used to generate osteoclasts. Cells were maintained in Dulbecco's Modification of Eagle's Media (DMEM) containing 10% fetal calf serum (v/v) and 1% penicillin-streptomycin-glutamine (PSG; Cellgro, Mediatech). Recombinant human netrin-ligands (NTN1 and NTN4) were diluted in PBS (R&D Systems). The responsible IACUC committee approved all of the animal studies described in this work.

Gene Expression Analysis: MSC, osteoblasts and adipocytes derived from human bone marrow were assayed for changes in gene expression. In parallel, osteoclasts derived from human monocytes were also assayed for changes in myeloid gene expression. Gene data were derived from two independently generated samples collected from at least three patients. mRNA was purified using RNeasy Plus Mini columns (Qiagen) and cDNA was synthesized using the iScript cDNA Synthesis Kit (Bio-Rad). Gene expression was analyzed using quantitative PCR (qPCR) using 100-ng of cDNA mixed with Fast Plus EvaGreen Master Mix (Biotium). In each experiment GAPDH served as a control, negative controls contained no-template and a standard curve was generated using serial dilutions of a chemically synthesized sequence for GAPDH (0, 1, 10 and 100 femtograms; Integrated DNA Technologies). Gene expression was evaluated using Pfaffl's method, in which the efficiency of each primer (E) and the starting gene product concentration (No) are calculated from the linear region of the fluorescence-crossing threshold curve using the software LinRegPCR (v2013.0). Experiments were considered valid when the control gene GAPDH fell within the standard curve and the primer efficiencies (E) were calculated to be E>=1.8. The presence of a single gene product was confirmed using a melt-curve analysis and product size was confirmed using gene product gel-electrophoresis.

Protein Expression through Western Blot Analysis: Human MSC, osteoblasts and osteoclasts were lysed with cold RIPA buffer (Pierce Thermo Scientific) containing 2-mM iodoacetamide, 2-mM benzamidine hydrochloride, 0.1-mM ethylmaleimide, 1% PMSF and the Halt Protease Inhibitor Cocktail (Pierce Thermo Scientific). Protein was also assayed from supernatant samples derived from MSC cultures. Protein lysates were analyzed from at least two replicates generated from three patient samples. Total protein was assayed using the BCA Protein Assay Kit (Thermo) following the manufacturers instructions. Samples were loaded (20-μg/well) onto a 10-20% Mini-Protean Tris-Tricine Precast Gel (Bio-Rad) with the Page Ruler Pre-stained NIR Protein Ladder (Bio-Rad) and transferred to a nitrocellulose membrane (Bio-Rad). NTN4, NTNG1, the UNC5 receptors (UNC5b and UNC5c) and NGL1 were identified on membranes blocked using 5% non-fat milk and the following primary antibodies (Santa Cruz Biotechnologies): NTN4 (1:500), NTNG1 (1:500), UNC5b (1:500), UNC5c (1:500) and NGL1 (1:500). Vinculin (1:500) or actin (1:500) served as loading controls. The γ-secretase fragment (aa1171-aa1345) or the c-terminal of the neogenin-receptor was detected using the H-175 (1:1000) or C-20 (1:500) antibody clones directed against neogenin-receptor, respectively. Antibodies were detected using an H RP-conjugated micro-polymer conjugated secondary antibody (ImmPress kit, Vector Labs) in conjunction with the Clarity Western ECL substrate (Bio-Rad). Mouse brain protein lysates (mB) were used as positive-expression controls.

Immunofluorescence and Morphology: Tibias from 3-week (n=10) and 16-week (n=20) old mice were fixed in 2% paraformaldehyde, simultaneously decalcified and cryo-protected using a solution of 15% EDTA and 30% sucrose, and then snap-frozen using liquid nitrogen and sectioned at 8-μm using a cryo-microtome (Leica 3050). Patterns in ligand and receptor expression were identified using the following primary antibodies: NTN4 (1:250), NTNG1 (1:250), neogenin (1:250), UNC5b (1:250), UNC5c (1:250), NGL1 (1:250) and FABP4 (1:250). Antibodies were detected using Alexa Fluor-488 or -568 secondary antibodies (1:500; Invitrogen). MSC were also grown on glass discs and fixed with 2% paraformaldehyde. MSC were incubated with primary antibodies against NTN1 (1:250), NTN4 (1:250), NTNG1 (1:250), neogenin (1:250), UNC5b (1:250), UNC5c (1:250), NGL1 (1:250) and nucleostemin (1:250) Antibodies were detected using Alexa Fluor-488 or -568 antibodies (1:500; Invitrogen). Nuclei were counter-stained with 10-μg/ml 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI, Sigma).

Osteogenesis: Osteogenic potential in MSC was assayed by chemically inducing mineral formation. MSC from at least three human patients were seeded at 5×10³ cells per well and allowed to become confluent and woven prior to the addition of osteo-induction media. Induction media consisted of DMEM containing 20% FCS (v/v) and 1% PSG supplemented with 25-μg/mL of acscorbic-2-phosphate (Sigma), 100-nM dexamethasone (Sigma) and the following dosing regimen of β-glycerophosphate (BGP; Sigma): 1× media change with 5-mM BGP, 1× media change with 10-mM BGP and 1× media change with 20-mM of BGP. Netrin-ligands (1-, 10- and 100-ng) were added at each post-induction media change. Positive control wells were treated with 25-ng of the recombinant human BMP2/BMP7-ligand (R&D Systems) with the first addition of induction media. After the appearance of mineral nodules, cells were fixed with 70% ice-cold EtOH (Sigma) and then stained using 40-mM alizarin red-S (pH 4.2, Sigma). Osteogenesis experiments were repeated at least twice for each patient.

Adipogenesis: Adipogenic potential in MSC was assayed by chemically inducing adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation. MSC from at least three human patient samples were seeded at 5×10³ cells per well and allowed to become confluent prior to the addition of adipo-induction media. Induction media consisted of DMEM containing 10% FCS (v/v) and 1% PSG supplemented with 5-μM rosiglitizone (Caymen Chemical), 500-μM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX; Sigma), 1-μM dexamethasone (Sigma) and 1-μg/mL recombinant human insulin (rinsulin, Sheffield Bio-Science). Induction media including the netrin-ligands (1-, 10- and 100-ng) was added to cultures at each media change; 2× media changes over a 7-day post-induction period. Cultures were fixed with 2% paraformaldehyde and imaged with the lipophilic fluorescent stain nile red (excitation at 488-nm; Sigma). Nuclei were counter-stained with DAPI. Estimates of adipocytes numbers were obtained through Cavalieri sampling in conjunction with a modification of the fractionator technique used in un-biased stereology, in which a particular well was divided into parallel sections that served as counting regions. Adipogenesis experiments were repeated at least twice.

TRAP Staining and the Assay of Osteoclast Number: Osteoclasts were derived from either an enriched population of human monocytes or from mouse non-enriched whole bone marrow aspirates. Three human patient bone marrow samples were assayed in parallel with samples collected from 3-week (n=10) and 16-week (n=20) mouse bone marrow. The monocyte fraction was stimulated to become osteoclasts by culturing 1×10⁶ cells with 25-ng/mL of MCSF and 25-ng/mL of recombinant human or mouse RANK-ligand (R&D Systems) in the presence of the NTN1- or NTN4-ligands (100-ng). Osteoclasts were stained with tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP; Sigma Leukocyte Acid Phosphatase Kit 387-A) and counted when cells stained TRAP-positive and had at least three nuclei. Estimates of osteoclast number were obtained by Cavalieri sampling and a modification of the fractionator technique.

shRNA Knock-down of the Neogenin-receptor: SaOS2 osteosarcoma tumor cells were employed to model osteogenesis. We inhibited neogenin-receptor activity using a commercially available neogenin shRNA-lentivirus or transfected SaOS2 cells with a GFP lentivirus used as a control (Santa Cruz Biotechnologies). SaOS2 cells were then induced to become osteoblasts using 10%, 5% or 2.5% serum and then assayed for BMP-target genes (ID1, ID2, SMAD1, SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4, SMAD5, SMAD6, SMAD7 and SMAD8/9).

Unicortical Defect Model: Male 3-week old C57BLJ6 mice (n=5 per treatment group) were injected with NTN1 or NTN4 following the creation of a unicortical defect. Briefly, a small incision (approximately 3-mm) was made just below the knee joint, located on the medial side of the tibia just below the tibial tuberosity on the tibial crest. In young animals the physeal plate is clearly visible and the drill bit was placed approximately 1-mm below this point. The drill-bit produces a unicortical defect with dimensions 300-μm diameter×1-mm depth. A Hamilton Neuros RN 10-4 syringe with a 33-gauge blunt tip needle was used to inject the netrin-ligands (NTN1 or NTN4 at 100-ng in 2-4) directly into the unicortical defect at a rate no faster than approximately 0.1-4 per second. The left-limb tibias served as contra-lateral surgical controls, in which animals received a unicortical defect and 2-4 of saline was injected. These same mice were injected with oxytetracycline (50-μg/kg; OTC) administered intraperitoneally to measure bone apposition 48-hours prior to euthanasia. Mice were euthanized 5-days after surgery, hind limbs were collected and tibias were fixed for immunofluorescense, TRAP staining and OTC associated bone growth.

MicroCT Analysis of Unicortical Defects: High-resolution images of the tibia were acquired with a μCT imaging system (μCT40; Scanco Medical). Tibias were scanned at 45-keV with an isotropic voxel size of 12-μm. An analysis region was selected from axial sections to include the entire unicortical defect bounded by the endosteal cortical wall. The volume corrected bone volume (bone volume/total volume; Bv/Tv), trabecular number (TbN) and trabecular thickness (TbTh) were calculated using the Scanco software. The maximum diameter of the defect was determined using unbiased stereology, in which the maximum linear distance was measured between opposing sides of the defect through serial sections. The maximum diameter was determined using the BoneJ plug-in for ImageJ (NIH Research Services Branch; http://rsbweb.nih.gov/ij/).

Statistical Analyses: Prism statistical software (Graphpad) was used to analyze data. Means and standard deviations were calculated. Data were analyzed by 1-way or 2-way ANOVA using the Holm-Sidak post-hoc correction for multiple comparisons with significance set at p<0.05.

Results:

Netrin-ligands and netrin-receptors are expressed in the MSC and monocyte lineages: NTN4 gene expression was significantly decreased in osteoblasts, adipocytes and osteoclasts when compared to MSC (p<0.026). (FIG. 1A) Conversely, the netrin-receptors that were detected (neogenin, UNC5b and UNC5c) were all significantly increased in osteoblasts when compared to MSC (p<0.045). (FIGS. 1B, 1C, 1D) Interestingly, UNC5c gene expression was greatest in adipocytes when compared to MSC (p<0.007). (FIG. 1D) However, both neogenin and UNC5b gene expression were significantly less in adipocytes and osteoclasts when compared to osteoblasts (p<0.003). NTNG1 gene expression was significantly increased in osteoblasts compared to MSC (p<0.0492) (FIG. 1E) Likewise, the NTNG1 receptor NGL1 gene expression was also significantly increased in osteoblasts versus MSC (p<0.008) while gene expression for the NGL2 receptor was significantly decreased in osteoblasts (p<0.03). (FIGS. 1F and 1G) No change in gene expression between the various MSC or monocyte lineages was observed for NTN1, NTN3, NTN5 and NTNG2 ligands. (not shown) Further, UNC5a, UNC5d, DCC, DSCAM and NGL3 gene expression was undetectable. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN) gene expression were significantly increased in osteoblasts when compared to MSC (p<0.009). (FIG. 1H) In parallel, adipocyte specific genes (PPARγ, FABP4 and perilipin) were all increased in adipocytes when compared to MSC (p<0.01). (FIG. 1I) Osteoclastic specific genes (CD14, CSTK and TRAP) were also observed in monocytes cultured to become osteoclasts. (FIG. 1J)

NTN4, UNC5b and neogenin staining was observed to be widespread in bone marrow and along the endosteal surface of bone: Fluorescent staining revealed that NTN4 was only expressed within a small group of chondrocytes within the reserve zone of the growth plate. Neogenin-was weakly expressed by the chondrocytes of the proliferative zone and strongly expressed by chondrocytes of hypertrophic zone of the growth plate. Both NTN4 and neogenin were abundantly observed in the region of the metaphysis adjacent to the growth plate (the chondro-osseous junction). Tomato lectin and neogenin staining demonstrated that the monocyte lineage is abundant near the chondro-osseous junction, which could reflect osteoclast activity that is responsible for degrading the mineralized cartilage of the growth plate. UNC5b and UNC5c staining was observed in the chondrocytes within the hypertrophic zone of the growth plate while UNC5c staining was also seen in chondrocytes of the reserve-proliferative zone. UNC5b and UNC5c staining was also identified near the chondro-osseous junction of the growth plate. Additionally, strong staining for NTN4, neogenin and UNC5b was observed in the layer of osteoblasts lining the endosteal surface of bone. Importantly, only neogenin staining was observed in osteocytes within the cortical bone. Further, within the bone marrow NTN4 stained widely. Finally, both neogenin and UNC5b staining was greatest in the osteoblasts lining the endosteal surface of trabecular bone.

NTNG1 and NGL1 were expressed by chondrocytes within the growth plate and osteoblasts lining the endosteal surface: NTNG1-ligand and NGL1-receptor staining were observed in chondrocytes located within the reserve-proliferative zone of the growth plate while neither NTNG1 nor NGL1 staining were seen within the hypertrophic zone. NTNG1 and NGL1 staining was also identified in the metaphyseal region adjacent to the growth plate (chondro-osseus junction). NTNG1 and NGL1 staining was also observed in osteoblasts lining the endosteal surface and throughout the bone marrow adjacent to the endosteal surface. Trabecular bone osteoblasts within the metaphysis stained with both NTNG1 and NGL1.

NTN4, NTNG1 and neogenin staining was abundant in MSC cultures: Neogenin receptor staining was observed throughout MSC cultures. In contrast, NTN1 ligand staining was limited, consistent with our gene expression data, while NTN4 staining was more widespread in MSC cultures. NTNG1 staining was high in MSC cultures while staining of the NTNG1-receptor NGL1 was observed to be sparse. UNC5b and UNC5c stained at intermediate levels in the MSC cultures. Interestingly, neogenin and UNC5c stained fine, long projections within a sub-population of MSC. UNC5b and UNC5c staining was weak in cells that also stained with the MSC phenotypic marker nucleostemin while neogenin staining was not observed in nucleostemin stained cells. When nucleostemin localized to the nucleolus the MSC stained with UNC5b. In contrast, when nucleostemin staining was localized to the cytoplasm the MSC stained with UNC5c. Further work will be required to untangle the significance of nucleolar versus cytoplasmic staining of nucleostemin and UNC5b or UNC5c. NTN4, neogenin, UNC5b, UNC5c, NTNG1 and NGL1 protein expression was confirmed in MSC cultures. In parallel, NTN4 and neogenin proteins were highly expressed in osteoclasts, consistent with our gene data. The soluble form of the NTN4-ligand was observed in MSC culture supernatants. Surprisingly, a soluble fragment of NTNG1, a GPI-linked ligand thought to be non-soluble, was also observed in supernatants derived from MSC cultures.

Nertrin-ligands increase osteogenesis while decreasing adipogenesis and osteoclast formation: The addition of recombinant NTN1 and NTN4 to MSC cultures undergoing osteogenic differentiation resulted in a dose-dependent increase in mineral accumulation, with the largest dose of NTN1 or NTN4 (100-ng) yielding more alizarin red staining compared to BMP2/7 treated cultures. In parallel, osteogenic differentiation resulted in decreased NTN4 protein expression that is consistent with the decrease observed in NTN4 gene expression. The full-length neogenin protein was increased in osteoblast cultures. Goldschneider et al. (Goldschneider et al., 2008) recently described two intracellular fragments of neogenin cleaved by the a- and y-secretase enzymes. Both the α- and γ-secretase fragments were identified in MSC and osteoblasts; however, a significant increase in the neogenin fragment created by γ-secretase (NeolCD) was only observed in osteoblasts. Neogenin-receptor expression was inhibited in SaOS2 cells using a neogenin shRNA lentivirus and confirmed by analyzing protein lysates. Goldschneider et al. proposed that SMAD5 gene expression was a target of the NeolCD. We found that SMAD5 gene expression decreased 44.3% in neogenin deficient SaOS2 cells (p<0.037) versus GFP-controls and non-transfected controls. BMP-receptor signaling requires the SMAD1/5/8 complex locate to the nucleus, so we also examined SMAD gene expression. SMAD1 gene expression also decreased 36.6% in the neogenin deficient SaOS2 cells (p<0.04) versus controls. (FIG. 2G) We also measured inhibitor SMAD6 decreased 66.3% in neogenin deficient SaOS2 cells (p<0.0007) relative controls. The ID transcription factors, ID1 and ID2, are targets of BMP-signaling (Peng et al., 2004). ID1 gene expression was decreased 63.4% (p<0.001) while ID2 gene expression was decreased 42.3% (p<0.039) in the neogenin deficient SaOS2 cells relative to control cells. We did not identify significant changes in SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4, SMAD7 or SMAD8 gene expression. In addition, there was no change in gene expression for the TGFβ-ligands and the TGFβ-receptors. SaOS2 cells induced to make bone mineral were grown in decreasing concentrations of serum. No significant effect was observed in mineral accumulation in GFP-control and non-transfected control SaOS2 cells; however, a dose dependent decrease in mineral formation was observed in neogenin deficient SaOS2 cells versus controls. (FIG. 2J) The addition of BMP2/7 to these cultures restored some mineral accumulation in neogenin deficient SaOS2 cells. In contrast the NTN1- or NTN4-ligands decreased the numbers of adipocytes in a dose-dependent fashion (p<0.008). (FIGS. 3A and 3B) FABP4 was strongly expressed in bone marrow cells that also strongly expressed the UNC5c-receptor. UNC5c gene expression was increased in MSC induced to become osteoblasts relative to MSC; as such, we propose that the clusters of bone marrow cells are FABP4+/UNC5c+ cells of the adipocyte lineage. Despite the low levels of netrin-receptor expression, the addition of NTN1 or NTN4 also resulted in a significant decrease in the numbers of osteoclasts in culture (p<0.0003). (FIGS. 3C, 3D and 3E) The netrin-ligand mediated decrease in osteoclast number is consistent with the observations made by Enoki et al. (Enoki et al., 2014).

The addition of the netrin-ligands increased bone healing in a unicortical defect: Unicortical defects administered surgically were treated with the netrin-ligands. (FIGS. 4A-5J) TRAP stained osteoclasts were observed throughout the control defects. (FIGS. 4A and 4D) However, diminished TRAP staining was observed within the defects treated with NTN1 (FIGS. 4B and 4E) while TRAP staining was not seen in NTN4 treated defects. (FIGS. 4C and 4F) In NTN1 or NTN4 treated defects, abundant TRAP staining was observed on the periphery of the defects. In parallel, OTC staining associated with new bone formation was decreased in control, saline treated defects and was increased within the defects treated with NTN1 or NTN4. (FIGS. 4G, 4H and 4I) Tibias treated with the NTN1- or NTN4-ligands and imaged using μCT were observed to have smaller defects than tibias not treated with ligand. (FIGS. 5A-5F) An analysis of the μCT images demonstrated that treatment with NTN1 or NTN4 resulted in significant increase in bone mass, Bv/Tv (p<0.0003). (FIG. 5G) Trabecular number (TbN) and thickness (TbTh) were also significantly increased following the addition of NTN1 or NTN4 (p<0.04). (FIGS. 5H and 5I) Further, an analysis of the defect diameter showed that NTN1 or NTN4 resulted in a significant decrease in the diameter when compared to saline treated controls (p<0.0085). (FIG. 5J)

EXAMPLE 2 The RGMa and RGMb-Ligands Inhibit Bone Formation while Promoting Bone Re-Absorption

Methods: Human bone marrow was collected from consenting adult patients undergoing either an elective primary proximal femoral total hip arthroplasty or elective primary distal femoral total knee arthroplasty (n=6, mean age 65) as a part of an IRB approved study. Human MSC were derived from the adherent fraction of whole bone marrow aspirates. Monocytes were derived from the non-adherent fraction of bone marrow and enriched through a separate sub-culture using 100-ng/mL recombinant human macrophage colony-stimulating factor (MCSF; Wyeth). In parallel experiments described below, the femurs from 3-week (n=10) and 16-week (n=20) old male mice were collected and then the bone marrow was flushed from the femur according to the following: A 21-gauge needle was inserted into the femoral intramedular canal after the removal of the proximal and distal ends of the femur. Media was then carefully passed through the proximal end of the femur, which forced the bone marrow to pass out of the bone. Finally, the bone marrow pellet was mechanically disassociated using an 18-gauge needle and then passed through a 70-μm mesh filter. These whole bone marrow aspirates were used to generate osteoclasts. Cells were maintained in Dulbecco's Modification of Eagle's Media (DMEM) containing 10% fetal calf serum (v/v) and 1% penicillin-streptomycin-glutamine (PSG; Cellgro, Mediatech). Recombinant human RGM-ligands (RGMa and RGMb) were diluted in PBS (R&D Systems). The responsible IACUC committee approved all animal studies described in this work.

Gene Expression Analysis: MSC, osteoblasts and adipocytes derived from human bone marrow were assayed for changes in gene expression. In parallel, osteoclasts derived from human monocytes were also assayed for changes in myeloid gene expression. Gene data were derived from two independently generated samples collected from at least three patients. mRNA was purified using RNeasy Plus Mini columns (Qiagen) and cDNA was synthesized using the iScript cDNA Synthesis Kit (Bio-Rad). Gene expression was analyzed using quantitative PCR (qPCR) using 100-ng of cDNA mixed with Fast Plus EvaGreen Master Mix (Biotium). In each experiment GAPDH served as a control, negative controls contained no-template and a standard curve was generated using serial dilutions of a chemically synthesized sequence for GAPDH (0, 1, 10 and 100 femtograms; Integrated DNA Technologies). Gene expression was evaluated using Pfaffl's method, in which the efficiency of each primer (E) and the starting gene product concentration (No) are calculated from the linear region of the fluorescence-crossing threshold curve using the software LinRegPCR (v2013.0). Experiments were considered valid when the control gene GAPDH fell within the standard curve and the primer efficiencies (E) were calculated to be E>=1.8. The presence of a single gene product was confirmed using a melt-curve analysis and product size was confirmed using gene product gel-electrophoresis.

Protein Expression through Western Blot Analysis: Human MSC, osteoblasts and osteoclasts were lysed with cold RIPA buffer (Pierce Thermo Scientific) containing 2-mM iodoacetamide, 2-mM benzamidine hydrochloride, 0.1-mM ethylmaleimide, 1% PMSF and the Halt Protease Inhibitor Cocktail (Pierce Thermo Scientific). Protein was also assayed from supernatant samples derived from MSC cultures. Protein lysates were analyzed from at least two replicates generated from three patient samples. Total protein was assayed using the BCA Protein Assay Kit (Thermo) following the manufacturers instructions. Samples were loaded (20-μg/well) onto a 10-20% Mini-Protean Tris-Tricine Precast Gel (Bio-Rad) with the Page Ruler Pre-stained NIR Protein Ladder (Bio-Rad) and transferred to a nitrocellulose membrane (Bio-Rad). Primary antibodies (Santa Cruz Biotechnologies) directed against RGMa (1:500) and RGMb (1:500) were identified on membranes blocked using 5% non-fat milk. Vinculin (1:500) or actin (1:500) served as loading controls. Antibodies were detected using an HRP-conjugated micro-polymer conjugated secondary antibody (ImmPress kit, Vector Labs) in conjunction with the Clarity Western ECL substrate (Bio-Rad). Mouse brain protein lysates (mB) were used as positive-expression controls.

Immunofluorescence and Morphology: Tibias from 3-week (n=10) and 16-week (n=20) old mice were fixed in 2% paraformaldehyde, simultaneously decalcified and cryo-protected using a solution of 15% EDTA and 30% sucrose, and then snap-frozen using liquid nitrogen and sectioned at 8-μm using a cryo-microtome (Leica 3050). Patterns in ligand and receptor expression were identified using the following primary antibodies: RGMa (1:250), RGMb (1:250), neogenin (1:250) and FABP4 (1:250). Antibodies were detected using Alexa Fluor-488 or -568 secondary antibodies (1:500; Invitrogen). MSC were also grown on glass discs and fixed with 2% paraformaldehyde. MSC were incubated with primary antibodies against RGMa (1:250), RGMb (1:250) and nucleostemin (1:250) Antibodies were detected using Alexa Fluor-488 or -568 antibodies (1:500; Invitrogen). Nuclei were counter-stained with 10-μg/ml 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI, Sigma).

Osteogenesis: Osteogenic potential in MSC was assayed by chemically inducing mineral formation. MSC from at least three human patients were seeded at 5×10³ cells per well and allowed to become confluent and woven prior to the addition of osteo-induction media. Induction media consisted of DMEM containing 20% FCS (v/v) and 1% PSG supplemented with 25-μg/mL of acscorbic-2-phosphate (Sigma), 100-nM dexamethasone (Sigma) and the following dosing regimen of β-glycerophosphate (BGP; Sigma): 1× media change with 5-mM BGP, 1× media change with 10-mM BGP and 1× media change with 20-mM of BGP. RGM-ligands (1-, 10- and 100-ng) were added at each post-induction media change. Positive control wells were treated with 25-ng of the recombinant human BMP2/BMP7-ligand (R&D Systems) with the first addition of induction media. After the appearance of mineral nodules, cells were fixed with 70% ice-cold EtOH (Sigma) and then stained using 40-mM alizarin red-S (pH 4.2, Sigma). Osteogenesis experiments were repeated at least twice for each patient.

Adipogenesis: Adipogenic potential in MSC was assayed by chemically inducing adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation. MSC from at least three human patient samples were seeded at 5×10³ cells per well and allowed to become confluent prior to the addition of adipo-induction media. Induction media consisted of DMEM containing 10% FCS (v/v) and 1% PSG supplemented with 5-μM rosiglitizone (Caymen Chemical), 500-μM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX; Sigma), 1-μM dexamethasone (Sigma) and 1-μg/mL recombinant human insulin (rinsulin, Sheffield Bio-Science). Induction media including the RGM-ligands (1-, 10- and 100-ng) was added to cultures at each media change; 2× media changes over a 7-day post-induction period. Cultures were fixed with 2% paraformaldehyde and imaged with the lipophilic fluorescent stain nile red (excitation at 488-nm; Sigma). Nuclei were counter-stained with DAPI. Estimates of adipocytes numbers were obtained through Cavalieri sampling in conjunction with a modification of the fractionator technique used in un-biased stereology, in which a particular well was divided into parallel sections that served as counting regions. Adipogenesis experiments were repeated at least twice.

TRAP Staining and the Assay of Osteoclast Number: Osteoclasts were derived from either an enriched population of human monocytes or from mouse non-enriched whole bone marrow aspirates. Three human patient bone marrow samples were assayed in parallel with samples collected from 3-week (n=10) and 16-week (n=20) mouse bone marrow. The monocyte fraction was stimulated to become osteoclasts by culturing 1×10⁶ cells with 25-ng/mL of MCSF and 25-ng/mL of recombinant human or mouse RANK-ligand (R&D Systems) in the presence of the RGMa- or RGMb-ligands (100-ng). Osteoclasts were stained with tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP; Sigma Leukocyte Acid Phosphatase Kit 387-A) and counted when cells stained TRAP-positive and had at least three nuclei. Estimates of osteoclast number were obtained by Cavalieri sampling and a modification of the fractionator technique.

Unicortical Defect Model: Male 3-week old C57BL/6 mice (n=5 per treatment group) were injected with one of the RGM-ligands (RGMa or RGMb) following the creation of a unicortical defect. Briefly, a small incision (approximately 3-mm) was made just below the knee joint, located on the medial side of the tibia just below the tibial tuberosity on the tibial crest. In young animals the physeal plate is clearly visible and the drill bit was placed approximately 1-mm below this point. The drill-bit produces a unicortical defect with dimensions 300-μm diameter x 1-mm depth. A Hamilton Neuros RN 10-4 syringe with a 33-gauge blunt tip needle was used to inject the RGM-ligands (RGMa or RGMb at 100-ng in 2-μL) directly into the unicortical defect at a rate no faster than approximately 0.1-4 per second. The left-limb tibias served as contra-lateral surgical controls, in which animals received a unicortical defect and 2-4 of saline was injected. These same mice were injected with oxytetracycline (50-μg/kg; OTC) administered intraperitoneally to measure bone apposition 48-hours prior to euthanasia. Mice were euthanized 5-days after surgery, hind limbs were collected and tibias were fixed for immunofluorescense, TRAP staining and OTC associated bone growth.

MicroCT Analysis of Unicortical Defects: High-resolution images of the tibia were acquired with a μCT imaging system (μCT40; Scanco Medical). Tibias were scanned at 45-keV with an isotropic voxel size of 12-μm. An analysis region was selected from axial sections to include the entire unicortical defect bounded by the endosteal cortical wall. The volume corrected bone volume (bone volume/total volume; Bv/Tv), trabecular number (TbN) and trabecular thickness (TbTh) were calculated using the Scanco software. The maximum diameter of the defect was determined using unbiased stereology, in which the maximum linear distance was measured between opposing sides of the defect through serial sections. The maximum diameter was determined using the BoneJ plug-in for ImageJ (NIH Research Services Branch; http://rsbweb.nih.gov/ij/).

Statistical Analyses: Prism statistical software (Graphpad) was used to analyze data. Means and standard deviations were calculated. Data were analyzed by 1-way or 2-way ANOVA using the Holm-Sidak post-hoc correction for multiple comparisons with significance set at p<0.05.

Results:

The RGM-ligands and the neogenin receptor were expressed in mesenchymal lineage cells and osteoclasts. Neogenin gene expression was increased in cultures induced to become osteoblasts compared to MSC (p<0.028) and decreased in adipocyte and osteoclast cultures when compared to osteoblasts (p<0.016). (FIG. 6A) RGMa gene expression was increased in osteoblasts when compared to MSC cultures (p<0.005) and was further increased in cultures induced to become adipocytes when compared to osteoblasts (p<0.0001). (FIG. 6B) Conversely, RGMb gene expression was decreased in cultures of osteoblasts (p<0.0035), adipocytes (p<0.0005) and osteoclasts (p<0.0035) when compared to MSC. (FIG. 6C) RGMc gene expression was identified in MSC and osteoblasts; however, RGMc expression did not change after the addition of osteo-induction media. RGMc gene expression was never observed in adipocytes or osteoclasts. Lineage specific gene expression was confirmed in osteoblasts, adipocytes and osteoclasts. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN) gene expression increased in osteoblasts compared to MSC (p<0.049). (FIG. 6D) PPARg, fatty acid binding protein (FABP4) and perilipin increased in adipocytes versus MSC cultures (p<0.005). (FIG. 6E) CD14, cathepsin K (CSTK) and TRAP gene expression were observed in osteoclasts. (FIG. 6F) The full-length RGMa protein and the cleaved, soluble RGMa protein fragments were expressed in MSC lysates. RGMb protein expression was observed to be robust in MSC cultures. The cleaved, soluble RGMb protein fragment was also identified in protein derived from supernatants collected from MSC cultures. The difference in protein size between the full-length RMGa/RGMb and the cleaved, soluble fragments were both approximately 17-kD. RGMa could not be detected in osteoclasts RGMb protein expression was robust.

RGM-ligands localized with neogenin-receptor stained tissue. Neogenin receptor staining was observed throughout the growth plate, with increased staining observed in the more differentiated chondrocytes of the hypertrophic zone versus the less differentiated chondrocytes of the reserve and proliferative zones. In addition, neogenin staining was robust in the bone adjacent to the growth plate in parallel with tomato lectin staining, the latter of which is a marker of myeloid lineage cells. RGMa staining was only weakly expressed adjacent to the growth plate. RGMb staining was observed in the chondrocytes of the reserve and the hypertrophic zones. In addition, RGMb staining was intense in the region of the metaphysis adjacent to the growth plate, consistent with the high levels of expression observed in MSC that are abundant near chondro-osseous junction of the growth plate. Neogenin staining was observed within the bone marrow and was highly expressed in osteoblasts lining the endosteal surface. In addition, neogenin staining was observed within the periosteal layer, within adjacent muscle tissue and within the osteocytes (arrows) located in cortical bone. RGMa staining was observed in osteoblasts lining the endosteal surface and within the bone marrow. RGMb staining was observed within the singular cells within the bone marrow and in the osteoblasts lining the endosteal surface. RGMa staining was only rarely observed in cultured MSC (arrows) while neogenin staining was ubiquitous throughout MSC cultures. RGMb staining was observed in cultured MSC that also stained positive for neogenin. RGMb staining was also observed in cultured MSC that stained with nucleostemin, which is a phenotypic marker for MSC; however, RGMa could not be detected in MSC that stained with nucleostemin. Consistent with our gene expression data, the RGMb staining was greater in nucleostemin stained MSC than the RGMb staining observed in neogenin stained cells.

The addition of the RGM-ligands to MSC cultures altered mineral accumulation in culture. The addition of osteoblast induction media to MSC cultures resulted in an increase in the expression of the full-length RGMa protein while no change was observed in the expression of the cleaved, soluble RGMa fragment. (FIG. 7A) In contrast, RGMb protein expression decreased in osteoblast cultures when compared to MSC cultures. (FIG. 7B) The cleaved, soluble fragment observed in MSC culture supernatants could not be detected in osteoblast cultures. The addition of the RGMa-ligand to cultured MSC induced to become osteoblasts produced a slight dose-dependent increase in mineral formation. (FIG. 7C) However, the effects of the RGMa-ligand on mineral formation were not greater than treatment with BMP2/7. In contrast, the administration of the RGMb-ligand failed to increase mineral formation in osteoblasts. (FIG. 7C)

The RGM-ligands increased adipocyte and osteoclast numbers in culture. The addition of the RGMa-ligand to MSC cultures resulted in a significant, 2-fold increase in the numbers of adipocytes (p<0.0004), independent of dose. (FIG. 8A) The RGMb-ligand also produced a significant, 2.5-fold increase in the numbers of adipocytes (p<0.0037) when added to MSC cultures. (FIG. 8B) RGMa gene expression was greatest in adipocytes and RGMa staining was observed to localize in clusters of cells within the bone marrow. An analysis of these regions with the adipocyte marker FABP4 demonstrated that RGMa staining localized to these FABP4 staining regions within the bone marrow. FABP4 was also observed to stain vascular endothelial cells. In monocytes cultured to become osteoclasts the addition of the RGMa-ligand resulted in a significant 1.72-fold increase in the numbers of osteoclasts (p<0.002). (FIGS. 8C-8E) Further, the addition of the RGMb-ligand also produced a significant, 1.55-fold increase in osteoclast numbers in culture (p<0.007).

RGM-ligands decreased bone healing when added to a unicortical defect. The addition of RGMa to unicortical defects resulted in a significant decrease in bone volume within the defect (Bv/Tv) (p<0.033). (FIG. 9A) In parallel, treatment with the RGMb-ligand resulted in a significant decrease in Bv/Tv within the unicortical defects (p<0.002). (FIG. 9A) The decrease in Bv/Tv following the addition of RGMb corresponded with a significant decrease in trabecular number (TbN) (p<0.01). (FIG. 9B) Both the addition of RGMa (p<0.014) and RGMb (p<0.012) resulted in a significant decrease in trabecular thickness (TbTh). (FIG. 9C) The diameter of the defect was also measured; however, no significant difference was observed in the defect diameter when animals were treated with either of the two RGM-ligands. (FIG. 9D) TRAP staining revealed an increase in the numbers of osteoclasts in the unicortical defects treated with either RGMa or RGMb. (FIG. 10A-10I) Specifically, TRAP staining was not observed within the control group unicortical defects while TRAP staining was observed throughout the defects in RGMa or RMGb treated mice. (FIG. 10G, 10H and 10I) In parallel, OTC staining for mineral apposition was significant within the unicortical defects from the control groups. (FIG. 10J) Unicortical defects treated with RGMa or RGMb had very little OTC staining, suggesting reduced new bone growth occurring within the defect. (FIG. 10K and 10L)

EXAMPLE 3 The Slit1- and Slit2-Ligands Increased Bone Formation while Dlit3 Increased Bone Re-Absorption

Methods: Human bone marrow was collected from consenting adult patients undergoing either an elective primary proximal femoral total hip arthroplasty or elective primary distal femoral total knee arthroplasty (n=6, mean age 65) as a part of an IRB approved study. Human MSC were derived from the adherent fraction of whole bone marrow aspirates. Monocytes were derived from the non-adherent fraction of bone marrow and enriched through a separate sub-culture using 100-ng/mL recombinant human macrophage colony-stimulating factor (MCSF; Wyeth). In parallel experiments described below, the femurs from 3-week (n=10) and 16-week (n=20) old male mice were collected and then the bone marrow was flushed from the femur according to the following: A 21-gauge needle was inserted into the femoral intramedular canal after the removal of the proximal and distal ends of the femur. Media was then carefully passed through the proximal end of the femur, which forced the bone marrow to pass out of the bone. Finally, the bone marrow pellet was mechanically disassociated using an 18-gauge needle and then passed through a 70-μm mesh filter. These whole bone marrow aspirates were used to generate osteoclasts. Cells were maintained in Dulbecco's Modification of Eagle's Media (DMEM) containing 10% fetal calf serum (v/v) and 1% penicillin-streptomycin-glutamine (PSG; Cellgro, Mediatech). Recombinant human slit-ligands (slit1, slit2 or slit3) were diluted in PBS (R&D Systems). The responsible IACUC committee approved all animal studies described in this work.

Gene Expression Analysis: MSC, osteoblasts and adipocytes derived from human bone marrow were assayed for changes in gene expression. In parallel, osteoclasts derived from human monocytes were also assayed for changes in myeloid gene expression. Gene data were derived from two independently generated samples collected from at least three patients. mRNA was purified using RNeasy Plus Mini columns (Qiagen) and cDNA was synthesized using the iScript cDNA Synthesis Kit (Bio-Rad). Gene expression was analyzed using quantitative PCR (qPCR) using 100-ng of cDNA mixed with Fast Plus EvaGreen Master Mix (Biotium). In each experiment GAPDH served as a control, negative controls contained no-template and a standard curve was generated using serial dilutions of a chemically synthesized sequence for GAPDH (0, 1, 10 and 100 femtograms; Integrated DNA Technologies). Gene expression was evaluated using Pfaffl's method, in which the efficiency of each primer (E) and the starting gene product concentration (N₀) are calculated from the linear region of the fluorescence-crossing threshold curve using the software LinRegPCR (v2013.0). Experiments were considered valid when the control gene GAPDH fell within the standard curve and the primer efficiencies (E) were calculated to be E>=1.8. The presence of a single gene product was confirmed using a melt-curve analysis and product size was confirmed using gene product gel-electrophoresis.

Protein Expression through Western Blot Analysis: Human MSC, osteoblasts and osteoclasts were lysed with cold RIPA buffer (Pierce Thermo Scientific) containing 2-mM iodoacetamide, 2-mM benzamidine hydrochloride, 0.1-mM ethylmaleimide, 1% PMSF and the Halt Protease Inhibitor Cocktail (Pierce Thermo Scientific). Protein was also assayed from supernatant samples derived from MSC cultures. Protein lysates were analyzed from at least two replicates generated from three patient samples. Total protein was assayed using the BCA Protein Assay Kit (Thermo) following the manufacturers instructions. Samples were loaded (20-μg/well) onto a 10-20% Mini-Protean Tris-Tricine Precast Gel (Bio-Rad) with the Page Ruler Pre-stained NIR Protein Ladder (Bio-Rad) and transferred to a nitrocellulose membrane (Bio-Rad). Primary antibodies (Santa Cruz Biotechnologies) directed against slit1 (1:500), slit2 (1:500), slit3 (1:500), ROBO1 or ROBO4 were identified on membranes blocked using 5% non-fat milk. Vinculin (1:500) or actin (1:500) served as loading controls. Antibodies were detected using an HRP-conjugated micro-polymer conjugated secondary antibody (ImmPress kit, Vector Labs) in conjunction with the Clarity Western ECL substrate (Bio-Rad). Mouse brain protein lysates (mB) were used as positive-expression controls.

Immunofluorescence and Morphology: Tibias from 3-week (n=10) and 16-week (n=20) old mice were fixed in 2% paraformaldehyde, simultaneously decalcified and cryo-protected using a solution of 15% EDTA and 30% sucrose, and then snap-frozen using liquid nitrogen and sectioned at 8-μm using a cryo-microtome (Leica 3050). Patterns in ligand and receptor expression were identified using the following primary antibodies: slit1 (1:250), slit2 (1:250), slit3 (1:250), ROBO1 (1:500), ROBO2 (1:500), ROBO4 (1:500) and FABP4 (1:250). Antibodies were detected using Alexa Fluor-488 or -568 secondary antibodies (1:500; Invitrogen). MSC were also grown on glass discs and fixed with 2% paraformaldehyde. MSC were incubated with primary antibodies against slit1 (1:250), slit2 (1:250), slit3 (1:250), ROBO1 (1:250), ROBO4 (1:250) and nucleostemin (1:250) Antibodies were detected using Alexa Fluor-488 or -568 antibodies (1:500; Invitrogen). Nuclei were counter-stained with 10-μg/ml 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI, Sigma).

Osteogenesis: Osteogenic potential in MSC was assayed by chemically inducing mineral formation. MSC from at least three human patients were seeded at 5×10³ cells per well and allowed to become confluent and woven prior to the addition of osteo-induction media. Induction media consisted of DMEM containing 20% FCS (v/v) and 1% PSG supplemented with 25-μg/mL of acscorbic-2-phosphate (Sigma), 100-nM dexamethasone (Sigma) and the following dosing regimen of β-glycerophosphate (BGP; Sigma): 1× media change with 5-mM BGP, 1× media change with 10-mM BGP and 1× media change with 20-mM of BGP. Slit-ligands (1-, 10- and 100-ng) were added at each post-induction media change. Positive control wells were treated with 25-ng of the recombinant human BMP2/BMP7-ligand (R&D Systems) with the first addition of induction media. After the appearance of mineral nodules, cells were fixed with 70% ice-cold EtOH (Sigma) and then stained using 40-mM alizarin red-S (pH 4.2, Sigma). Osteogenesis experiments were repeated at least twice for each patient.

Adipogenesis: Adipogenic potential in MSC was assayed by chemically inducing adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation. MSC from at least three human patient samples were seeded at 5×10³ cells per well and allowed to become confluent prior to the addition of adipo-induction media. Induction media consisted of DMEM containing 10% FCS (v/v) and 1% PSG supplemented with 5-μM rosiglitizone (Caymen Chemical), 500-μM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX; Sigma), 1-μM dexamethasone (Sigma) and 1-μg/mL recombinant human insulin (rinsulin, Sheffield Bio-Science). Induction media including the slit-ligands (1-, 10- and 100-ng) was added to cultures at each media change; 2× media changes over a 7-day post-induction period. Cultures were fixed with 2% paraformaldehyde and imaged with the lipophilic fluorescent stain nile red (excitation at 488-nm; Sigma). Nuclei were counter-stained with DAPI. Estimates of adipocytes numbers were obtained through Cavalieri sampling in conjunction with a modification of the fractionator technique used in un-biased stereology, in which a particular well was divided into parallel sections that served as counting regions. Adipogenesis experiments were repeated at least twice.

TRAP Staining and the Assay of Osteoclast Number: Osteoclasts were derived from either an enriched population of human monocytes or from mouse non-enriched whole bone marrow aspirates. Three human patient bone marrow samples were assayed in parallel with samples collected from 3-week (n=10) and 16-week (n=20) mouse bone marrow. The monocyte fraction was stimulated to become osteoclasts by culturing 1×10⁶ cells with 25-ng/mL of MCSF and 25-ng/mL of recombinant human or mouse RANK-ligand (R&D Systems) in the presence of the slit1-, slit2- or slit3-ligands (100-ng). Osteoclasts were stained with tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP; Sigma Leukocyte Acid Phosphatase Kit 387-A) and counted when cells stained TRAP-positive and had at least three nuclei. Estimates of osteoclast number were obtained by Cavalieri sampling and a modification of the fractionator technique.

Unicortical Defect Model: Male 3-week old C57BLJ6 mice (n=5 per treatment group) were injected with one of the slit-ligands (slit1, slit2 or slit3) following the creation of a unicortical defect. Briefly, a small incision (approximately 3-mm) was made just below the knee joint, located on the medial side of the tibia just below the tibial tuberosity on the tibial crest. In young animals the physeal plate is clearly visible and the drill bit was placed approximately 1-mm below this point. The drill-bit produces a unicortical defect with dimensions 300-μm diameter×1-mm depth. A Hamilton Neuros RN 10-4 syringe with a 33-gauge blunt tip needle was used to inject the slit-ligands (slit1, slit2 or slit3 at 100-ng in 2-4) directly into the unicortical defect at a rate no faster than approximately 0.1-4 per second. The left-limb tibias served as contra-lateral surgical controls, in which animals received a unicortical defect and 2-4 of saline was injected. These same mice were injected with oxytetracycline (50-μg/kg; OTC) administered intraperitoneally to measure bone apposition 48-hours prior to euthanasia. Mice were euthanized 5-days after surgery, hind limbs were collected and tibias were fixed for immunofluorescense, TRAP staining and OTC associated bone growth.

MicroCT Analysis of Unicortical Defects: High-resolution images of the tibia were acquired with a μCT imaging system (μCT40; Scanco Medical). Tibias were scanned at 45-keV with an isotropic voxel size of 12-μm. An analysis region was selected from axial sections to include the entire unicortical defect bounded by the endosteal cortical wall. The volume corrected bone volume (bone volume/total volume; Bv/Tv), trabecular number (TbN) and trabecular thickness (TbTh) were calculated using the Scanco software. The maximum diameter of the defect was determined using unbiased stereology, in which the maximum linear distance was measured between opposing sides of the defect through serial sections. The maximum diameter was determined using the BoneJ plug-in for ImageJ (NIH Research Services Branch;

Statistical Analyses: Prism statistical software (Graphpad) was used to analyze data. Means and standard deviations were calculated. Data were analyzed by 1-way or 2-way ANOVA using the Holm-Sidak post-hoc correction for multiple comparisons with significance set at p<0.05.

Results:

The slit-ligands and the ROBO-receptors were seen in MSC and myeloid lineage cells. Slit2 gene expression was increased in osteoblasts (p<0.021) while slit3 gene expression was decreased in osteoblasts (p<0.002) and osteoclasts (p<0.001). (FIGS. 11A and 11B) The ROBO1 receptor gene expression increased significantly in osteoblasts relative to MSC (p<0.018) while ROBO2 gene expression was only observed in osteoblasts. (FIG. 11C) The ROBO4 receptor gene expression was increased significantly in osteoclasts relative to osteoblasts and MSC (p<0.005). (FIG. 11D) Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN) gene expression increased in osteoblasts compared to MSC (p<0.01 and p<0.015, respectively). (FIG. 11E) CD14, cathepsin K (CSTK) and TRAP gene expression were observed in osteoclasts. (FIG. 11F) Slit3 expression was confirmed using immunochemistry, which showed slit3 expression was abundant in the bone marrow and within the cortical bone. The ROBO1-receptor stained was observed in the osteoblasts of the endosteal layer, consistent with gene data.

Slit1 and Slit2 increased mineral formation and increased adipocyte number while slit1 suppressed osteoclast number. The addition of slit1 or slit2 to MSC cultures induced to become osteoblasts increased mineral formation in culture while slit3 appeared to inhibit mineral accumulation at the 100-ng ligand dose. (FIG. 12A) Interestingly, the addition of slit1, slit2 or slit3 increased the numbers of adipocytes; however, the increase in adipocyte (fat cell) number observed was not dose dependent. (FIG. 12B-12D) Specifically, the 1- and 10-ng doses of slit1 increased adipocyte number (p<0.015) while the 100-ng dose of slit2 decreased adipocyte number (p<0.012). The addition of 1-ng of slit3 decreased adipocyte number (p<0.0.001) while the 10- and 100-ng doses increased adipocyte number (p<0.015). When slit1 was added to monocyte cultures induced to become osteoclasts, the numbers of osteoclasts was decreased substantially relative to non-treated controls (p<0.0002). (FIG. 12E-12G) In contrast, the addition of slit2 or slit3 resulted in an increase in the numbers of osteoclasts relative to the control non-treated cultures (p<0.0001). (FIG. 12E-12G)

Slit1 and slit2 increased bone healing and bone formation in a unicortical defect. Unicortical defects treated with the slit1 or slit2-ligand had substantially more bone within the defect 5-days after surgery compared to PBS treated contra-lateral controls. Bv/Tv (bone volume) within the defect increased 2.8-fold in mice treated with slit1 (p<0.001) and increased 74.2% in mice treated with slit2 (p<0.0003). (FIG. 13A) Slit3 had no effect on bone healing. In addition, there was no effect from the slit-ligands on trabecular number. (FIG. 13B) However, the addition of slit1 or slit to the defect increased trabecular thickness (p<0.0015 while the addition of the slit3-ligand had no effect. (FIG. 13C)

EXAMPLE 4 The Netrin-, RGM- and Slit-Ligands do not Stimulate Sarcoma Tumor Proliferation Despite Possessing the Neogenin-, UNC5 and ROBO-Receptors.

Methods: Human bone marrow was collected from consenting adult patients undergoing either an elective primary proximal femoral total hip arthroplasty or elective primary distal femoral total knee arthroplasty (n=6, mean age 65) as a part of an IRB approved study. Human MSC were derived from the adherent fraction of whole bone marrow aspirates. Ewing's sarcoma tumor cells (RDES, Hs822 and Hs863) and SaOS2 osteosarcoma tumor cells were obtained from ATCC. Cells were maintained in Dulbecco's Modification of Eagle's Media (DMEM) containing 10% fetal calf serum (v/v) and 1% penicillin-streptomycin-glutamine (PSG; Cellgro, Mediatech). Recombinant human netrin-ligands (netrin-1 or netrin-4), RGM-ligands (RGMa or RGMb) or slit-ligands (slit1, slit2 or slit3) were diluted in PBS (R&D Systems).

Gene Expression Analysis: MSC, osteoblasts and adipocytes derived from human bone marrow were assayed for changes in gene expression. In parallel, osteoclasts derived from human monocytes were also assayed for changes in myeloid gene expression. Gene data were derived from two independently generated samples collected from at least three patients. mRNA was purified using RNeasy Plus Mini columns (Qiagen) and cDNA was synthesized using the iScript cDNA Synthesis Kit (Bio-Rad). Gene expression was analyzed using quantitative PCR (qPCR) using 100-ng of cDNA mixed with Fast Plus EvaGreen Master Mix (Biotium). In each experiment GAPDH served as a control, negative controls contained no-template and a standard curve was generated using serial dilutions of a chemically synthesized sequence for GAPDH (0, 1, 10 and 100 femtograms; Integrated DNA Technologies). Gene expression was evaluated using Pfaffl's method, in which the efficiency of each primer (E) and the starting gene product concentration (No) are calculated from the linear region of the fluorescence-crossing threshold curve using the software LinRegPCR (v2013.0). Experiments were considered valid when the control gene GAPDH fell within the standard curve and the primer efficiencies (E) were calculated to be E>=1.8. The presence of a single gene product was confirmed using a melt-curve analysis and product size was confirmed using gene product gel-electrophoresis.

Immunofluorescence and Morphology: Archival sarcoma tumor biopsy samples (n=7) were stained for the neogenin-, UNC5b-, NGL1-, ROBO1- and ROBO4-receptors (1:100) in an IRB approved study. Antibodies were detected using an HRP-conjugated micro-polymer conjugated secondary antibody (ImmPress kit, Vector Labs) in conjunction with the ImmPACT NovaRed peroxidase substrate chromogen (Vector Labs). Sections were counter-stained with 2%-methyl green.

Assay of Cell Number: Following the addition of one of the nterin-, RGM- or slit-ligands, viable cell number was determined with the MTT assay. To each well, 100-ng of netrin-1, netrin-4, RGMa, RGMb, slit1, slit2, or slit3 was administered. After 72-hours, MTT (5 mg/ml (w/v), Sigma) was added to each well, incubated for 2-hours, after which the cells lysed with 500-μl of DMSO (Sigma). MTT was measured at 570-nm and the effects of therapy on cell proliferation were determined by normalizing treated wells relative to mean values from non-treated wells: Fold change in cell number=100* [treated cells optical density/mean control optical density].

Statistical Analyses: Prism statistical software (Graphpad) was used to analyze data. Means and standard deviations were calculated. Data were analyzed by 1-way or 2-way ANOVA using the Holm-Sidak post-hoc correction for multiple comparisons with significance set at p<0.05.

Results:

Osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma tumors express the netrin-, RGM- and slit-ligand receptors. Neurotrophic growth factor and receptor genes were widely expressed in MSC, osteoblasts (OB), Ewing's sarcoma (RDES, Hs822 and Hs863) and osteosarcoma (SaOS2). However, the following genes were not observed in the following sarcoma cell lines: RGMa was not observed in Hs863 cells. UNC5c was not present in RDES, Hs822 or Hs863 cells. UNC5d was not seen in Hs822 or Hs863 cells. NGL3 was not measured in Hs822, Hs863 or SaOS2 cells. DSCAM was not identified in Hs822 or Hs863 cells. Slit1 was not present in Hs822 cells while the ROBO4 receptor was not seen in RDES or Hs822 cells. In addition, DCC was only observed in the RDES (p<0.0125) cells while ROBO3 was not observed in any of the sarcoma cell lines. Though they were expressed, no significant increase in NTNS slit2, BOC gene expression was observed compared to MSC or osteoblasts. In contrast, the following genes were significantly expressed in one of the sarcoma tumor cell lines when compared to MSC: NTN1 was expressed in SaOS2 cells (p<0.0018). NTN3 was measured in RDES cells (p<0.006). NTNG1 and NTNG2 were observed in SaOS2 cells (p<0.001) and Hs822 cells (p<0.0005), respectively. UNC5d was present in RDES and SaOS2 cells (p<0.009). DSCAM was measured in RDES (p<0.001). NGL1, NGL2 and NGL3 were observed in RDES cells (p<0.02). Slit1 and CDON were measured in RDES cells (p<0.04) while SRGAP2 and ROBO2 were observed in SaOS2 cells (p<0.011). NTN4, RGMb and slit3 were all significantly increased in Hs822 cells compared to MSC (*, p<0.003). (FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C) Conversely, NTN4, RGMb and slit3 were also significantly decreased in RDES, Hs863 and SaOS2 cells when compared to MSC (*, p<0.03). Neogenin gene expression was significantly increased in RDES and SaOS2 when compared to MSC (*, p<0.0485). (FIG. 14D) UNC5b gene expression was significantly increased in Hs822 and Hs863 cells compared to MSC (*, p<0.009). (FIG. 14E) ROBO1 was significantly increased in RDES cell compared to MSC (*, p<0.0025). (FIG. 14F) Neogenin-, UNC5b-, NGL1-, ROBO1-, and ROBO4-receptor expression was confirmed in CD99-positive Ewing's sarcoma tumor biopsy samples (brown staining). (FIG. 15)

The addition of the netrin-, RGM-, and slit-ligands did not increase sarcoma tumor cell number in culture. The addition of 100-ng of the RGMa- or RGMb-ligand resulted in a 12% decrease in RDES tumor cell number (p<0.0025). (FIG. 16A) The addition of 100-ng slit3-ligand resulted in a 20% decrease in RDES tumor cell number (p<0.001). (FIG. 16B) Smaller increases were observed in the other tumor cell lines. The NTN1-, NTN4-, slit1- and slit2-ligands had no effect on tumor cell proliferation.

Summary of Results from Examples 1-4:

The netrin-, slit- and RGM-ligands bind collagen and two major constituents of collagen matrices: heparin and laminin.

The netrin-1 and netrin-4 ligands increase bone formation and reduce bone re-absorption (destruction) through a reduction in osteoclast number.

The slit1- and slit2-ligands increase bone formation; however only the slit1-ligand reduces bone destruction through a reduction in osteoclast number.

The slit3-ligand doesn't change bone mass significantly but does increase osteoclast number, suggesting that it may be useful as a treatment for osteopetrosis (pathologic increased bone formation).

The RGMa- and RGMb-ligands increased osteoclast number and failed to increased bone mass, which suggest that both could be useful as therapies for osteopetrosis.

The netrin-1 and netrin-4 ligands decreased adipocyte (fat cell) number, which suggests that these ligands could be used to treat the increased fat accumulation that occurs in the bone marrow of osteonecrotic bones.

Despite possessing the netrin-, RGM- or slit-ligand receptors, the netrin-1, netrin-4, RGMa, RGMb, slit1, slit2 or slit3 ligands failed to increase sarcoma tumor cell proliferation. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for promoting bone formation or reducing bone destruction in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering an amount of a polypeptide to the subject, wherein the polypeptide comprises a netrin-1, netrin-4, slit1, or combinations thereof, wherein the amount of the polypeptide is effective to promote bone formation or reduce bone destruction.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the polypeptide is administered locally to the site of injury.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the polypeptide is administered with a collagen based carrier, either in the form of a collagen sponge, a powdered collagen, or a collagen based gelatin hydrogel.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the injury comprises bone fracture or a surgical intervention such as would occur during the repair of a fracture or to accelerate the rate of spine fusion.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the administration treats osteonecrosis (or osteoradionecrosis) by reducing fat cell number while promoting mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) recruitment to the site of bone necrosis. 